Robin and John Gumaelius, are a unique husband and wife team of collaborating artists. Together they create articulated human and birdlike sculptures. They combine ceramic, steel and wood as they form highly inventive sculptures that are often comical or bizarre. Elements of children’s stories, religious icons, Medieval and Renaissance history, African skin decoration and holy relics can be seen in their work.

Each piece begins with an idea and general form on which Robin creates colorful ceramic surface imagery with complex decorative glazes; next John intercedes adding the exquisite metal armatures and wood appendages that bring the sculptures to life. In their highly unusual working relationship as an artistic team, they combine both skill and imagination to build a singularly unusual world out of clay and mixed media.

Robin and John live in a rural area in Washington State where they have built their studio, home, barn, and gardens while nourishing four beautiful children.